I can't help but hum as I make my way back to the sewer.

I look like a real adventurer at the moment.

I even have a mask to hide my identity.

Yes, I found it lying around.

Handsome, dashing, and professional.

I would make a great superhero.

Well, without the tights but still.

I'm so cool looking that bystanders are pointing at me excitingly.

Okay, either that or they are seeing me flee from a crime scene.

After all the compound is on fire.

Probably the later.

I finally descend into the sewers and drop the mask.

I can't wait but to see how many more slimes there are now.

The answer being …none.

This is very sad.

I was expecting something to happen.

Oh well, can't be helped.

I guess Kim will be able to slowly study their evolution over the upcoming months.

Maybe there will be an effect eventually.

Also where the hell did she go?

I guess she went home or something.

This would only be normal.

I did spend a while there rampaging.

Yet not a single guard came to see what the ruckus was about.

I guess they simply assumed it was gang-fighting or something.

Which honestly, they wouldn't care about.

I mean I did burn their base but that s all.

I did not touch the surroundings at all.

I slowly make my way across the city, slowly observing the reaction of the guards.

It seems I am in the clear.

Nice!

No one seems to be looking for me.

This means that it is time to celebrate!

I head to the noodles shop.

[Yo, old man!]

"Oh, a known face. I see you were missing my delicious creations."

[Of course! I finally got some cash too! I want extra servings!]

I hand him a piece.

"Is that a gold coin? You do know I don't have that kind of change, right?"

I like how he isn't even reacting to my new attire or wealth.

[How about this, I'll eat as much as I want. If there is any left you just give it to little Bai, deal?]

"Haha, that works for me. The little rascal was going to beg for food anyway. This way I won't have to feel bad for refusing him haha."

[How shameless is he when begging for food?]

"Very. He likes to tell sob stories about his past to try and get some haha."

[Sounds like him.]

"By the way how is he doing?"

[He seems to be at a crucial junction in his training. Something about going to the next step with his pet. He's unconscious during the process, but apparently, it's normal.]

"I see. Not to worry he will be fine. He's a fighter."

[Why do you say that?]

"Just a hunch. I get the feeling that he'll stay alive no matter what. You'd have to show me his corpse to convince me otherwise."

[Hopefully won't happen.]

Soon enough

*Sounds of intense slurping*

[Say, old man.]

"Yes?"

[I've heard that that process can take a long time. Could you tell him something if we don't see each other?]

"Sure, but I'll charge you 5 coppers for the message haha."

I smile wryly at him.

As if that would make a difference.

[Tell him that if he ever hears of The Unnamed God Sect that he's welcomed to join.]

"Oh? I've never heard of it. Where are you guys from?"

[Here haha. If anything I'd say the earth realm.]

"No shit the earth realm! Where would a sect be otherwise?! Not the god realm for sure!"

Well, the thing is even our God is living here.

Or more like it's a figment of my imagination anyway.

"Boy, listen to me well. I'll transmit your message but remember this. If you get him killed, I'll freaking haunt you."

This is nice.

[Alright old man. I will keep that in mind haha.]

This is why small food stall owners are the best.

There is such a stereotype, but it's usually true.

After all, they are people that are very close to their customers.

They learn about them while they are eating.

It makes things more interesting than to just sit in silence.

They also aren't all about profit.

Most of them want either to bring joy to people or simply perfect their craft.

Sure, back in the old world I would eat packed noodles.

You know at home to save time.

But nothing beats having a meal done by a true artisan.

One that has spent years mastering his craft.

One that knows exactly how to adjust the temperature for the best cooking.

It is not about being expensive or fancy.

It is simply a meal full of love.

At least that's the way I see it.

They say nothing beats eating in good company.

Well, this old guy is really nice.

Otherwise, he wouldn't worry about a young guy everyone is dismissing.

Not caring about a lack of success.

When you have a food cart it is all about effort.

The efforts of one man and one man only.

All about selling food so good that people come back.

Over and over.

Every day.

Finding comfort in the familiar savors.

Some might find me crazy for saying that, but these people soon become part of the family.

The ones that you talk to daily.

You learn about them.

They learn about you.

There is a dialogue going.

This is the only good part about dealing with people as a job.

Well, I'm sure there are lots of downsides too.

It's not for everyone.

Some would prefer a job in a cubicle where they can just focus on their task.

I'd say I'm a mix between these types.

I'm not the most outgoing type.

I don't have that many friends either.

However, I do believe having people you are near is important in one's life.

Sure they can become a target.

Even a weakness.

Still, I just need to get enough power to protect the people I care about.

This is why I will keep training.

One day at a time.

Going at my own rhythm.

Until one day I won't be the one scurrying away from the sects.

No, they will be the ones running away from me.

From me and from my sect.

The one I created on a whim.

Of that I am Convinced.